Julius Mercader T.

Group Head for Infrastructure - Engineering, Implementation and Operations (Network, Server, Hyperconverged, Database, Data Center)

- Group Head of Network and Data Center Infrastructure covering network and data center architecture, design, implementation , security and operations accross all DFI markets and business entities - Strategy, Transformation, Roadmap, Budgeting, Risk Management and Audit Compliance - Customer oriented and team centric leadership

In less than 3 mos after joinging DFI Retail Group, I was promoted to be their Head for Network Infrastructure Services at the Group level with a mandate to develop scalable design, enhance network security, transform and support 10,000+ Retail Stores in ASIAPAC, in this role I am managing the following Network Services: - Network Architecture and Design - Network Implementation and Transformation - Network Operations and Support - Network Security, Compliance and Audit - Build competitive and motivated team

Lead Network Transformation and Implementation at DFI Group level, in this role my main focus are the following: - Architecture and Design of Next Generation network infrastructure to support the business of 10,000+ retail stores - Implementation of network transformation initiatives which includes adaptive network security model - Consolidate multiple local ISP to regional provider - Provide and develop 3yr network infrastructure road map and target for business to leverage network infrastructure as competitive edge in retail industry

Network Architecture, Design, Implementation -Member of the senior management team in the Global Network and Voice Services (GNVS) division, I am responsible for providing strategic direction for architecture, design, and implementation guidance for the adoption of new technologies such as SDWAN and DC Fabric using VXLAN, as well as the deployment of standard network hardware such as Viptela, Fortigate, Palo Alto, Open Gear, Meraki, Netscaler, FortiNAC, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, and FortiAuthenticator. -In addition, I oversee network security automation using Firemon and liaise with Infosec to strengthen network security posture and manage network security firewalls using FortiManager and Panorama. -As a technology and adoption reviewer, I focus on identifying potential challenges and costs associated with implementing new technologies, while maximizing business investments to address short-term and longterm need. I participate in service delivery of projects from RFI/RFQ down to project scoping, pilot, and implementation. Global Network Operations -I am the accountable person for entire Global Network Operations, I have solid experience in ITSM processes and network management, and I am committed to delivering top-quality services to our clients with a team of 53 -I take pride in delivering excellent results, and this is reflected in the overall SLA and metrics for network scorecards that I have consistently exceeded. Quarterly, I present production reports to the Senior Leadership team, which highlights the high level of customer satisfaction achieved through our proactive monitoring, capacity planning, KPIs, and SLAs.

-As the Senior Manager based in Manila, I was given additional responsibility tasked to provide strong local leadership at Director's level and management of the Manila-based IT Infrastructure and Service Management teams responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting Ingram Micro's Global IT Infrastructure and Services. In this role, I was responsible for managing a team of 357 technology staff and 18 managers across various teams, including Microsoft Technology Services, Linux Services, Storage and Backup, IAAS, Citrix, Cloud Services, ITSM, Project Management Team, Service Desk, and Infosec Tools. -I focused on coaching, development, collaboration, and strategy to develop new leaders within the organization. My personal goal was to empower my team and provide them with opportunities for growth and development in their careers. I provided mentoring and assistance to the local IT site support team to ensure they have the necessary resources and guidance to support the Manila team’s goals, mission and vision.

-As the Manager of Network Engineering, I was responsible for the architecture, design, implementation of the Global Network Enhancement to converged network infrastructure for DFS. This includes project such as WINE – Wireless Network Enhancement aimed to provide and advantage for DFS to support IOT by designing and implementation of NextGeneration Wireless Network Connectivity anchoring to standard Wired LAN using Meraki. The project also covered enhancement of communications rooms by adding UPS, standard structured cabling, security cameras, IP telephony system. -The scope includes 2 Data Centers in Singapore, 1 in Hong Kong, 42 DFS Airport stores, 16 DFS Galleria malls, 12 DFS warehouses, and 6 corporate office facilities located across Guam, Hawaii, Australia, China, and France. I provided architecture and engineering proposals and costing and eventually work with different teams, vendors to ensure its successful implementation.

-As the leader of the Network Engineering and Architecture, I was responsible for driving the design, implementation, and maintenance of the network infrastructure across my designated region. I report directly to the Regional Director/CTO of Infrastructure Shared Services of the region and a matrix reporting channel to the Global Network and Security Leader in HQ and a dotted line reporting line to the Global Shared Services Director in the Philippines. -I provide technical leadership for all aspects of network design and standards, including WAN (MPLS, IPSEC, SD-WAN), LAN (Wired and WLAN), Security (Firewalls, WAF), Data Centers (DC Network, Load Balancers, VPN Gateways, AWS Cloud), Hubs (Country NNI, Country DC), External Partners Connectivity (SSLVPN, Remote-Access, Extranet Tunnel, DMZ), Voice (IP Telephony, 3CX Cloud), and Industrial network (Factory Production Network). -To achieve all this, I lead a team of 6 highly skilled Design Engineers who are responsible in delivering network design, architecture, proof of concept of new technologies to supporting the network modernization initiatives of the region for the next 2-3 years.

Working as Lead Network Engineer for Global Operations APAC of the following coverage: WAN: Handles Global Operational Support to Wide Area Network over MPLS, IPSEC/Gre Tunnelling with the use of BGP to multiple MPLS providers accross all regions, QOS DATA CENTER: Handles Global Operational Support of Regional Data Centers using Cisco Nex-Gen Data Center Technologies and other non-Cisco appliances and hardware SECURITY: Operates and Implement ASA firewalls for Enterprise Edge, Internet Edge, VDMZ, SSLVPN, Tacacs+, Radius, ISE LAN: Operates and Implement LAN designs for Internal customers from Divisions and Corporate using Cisco switching technologies with Layer 3 routing/switching VOICE: Operates Manila and Hong Kong CME, CUCM

- Team lead of L3 supports handling core/backbone and NNI - Project and implementations of BGP, MPLS, VRF QOS and Traffic Engineering. - Work with other ISP on projects and submarine line integrations. - Network monitoring using: NMS tools such as NNMi, WhatsUp Gold, Concord, Solarwinds, HP NNMi, HP Openview

- Technical Assistance and Support to Cisco customers globally - Provides POC design, configuration and BOM for premium customers - Escalation support

Cybersecurity Leadership Program for CISO. Focuses on strategy, defining business value and risk at executive level